Vice-Chief of the Air Staff (United Kingdom)

Vice-Chief of the Air Staff (United Kingdom) is the senior Royal Air Force officer who serves as the principal deputy to the Chief of the Air Staff. The position was established in 1918 following the creation of the Royal Air Force and the Air Ministry, and the holder is a member of the Air Force Board. The Vice-Chief is responsible for assisting in the strategic direction and operational management of the Royal Air Force, often focusing on specific areas such as capability development, personnel, or future force planning.

History

The office of Vice-Chief of the Air Staff was created in 1918, concurrent with the formation of the independent Royal Air Force and its governing body, the Air Ministry. The first incumbent was Major General Mark Kerr, who had previously served in the Royal Naval Air Service. The role evolved significantly during the Second World War, where the Vice-Chief was a key figure in the Air Staff, helping to coordinate complex operations like the Battle of Britain, the Combined Bomber Offensive, and the Berlin Airlift. Following the dissolution of the Air Ministry in 1964 and the centralisation of defence under the Ministry of Defence, the Vice-Chief's position was integrated into the new tri-service structure but retained its critical function within Royal Air Force leadership.

List of Vice-Chiefs of the Air Staff

Notable holders of the post include Air Chief Marshal Sir John Salmond, who later served as Chief of the Air Staff, and Air Marshal Sir Roderic Hill, a veteran of the First World War. During the Second World War, the position was held by officers such as Air Marshal Sir Wilfrid Freeman, a pivotal figure in aircraft production, and Air Marshal Sir John Slessor, a key planner of Allied strategic bombing policy. In the post-war era, appointees have included Air Chief Marshal Sir Michael Beetham, who later became Chief of the Defence Staff, and Air Chief Marshal Sir Stuart Peach, who later served as Chairman of the NATO Military Committee.

Responsibilities and role

The Vice-Chief of the Air Staff deputises for the Chief of the Air Staff across the full range of duties and typically assumes responsibility for specific strategic portfolios. These have historically included oversight of Royal Air Force operations, planning, and policy, as well as representing the service in committees with the British Army and the Royal Navy. The Vice-Chief is a central member of the Air Force Board and plays a crucial role in advising the Permanent Under-Secretary of State for Defence and the Secretary of State for Defence on air power matters. The position also involves close liaison with allied air forces, such as the United States Air Force, and with international bodies like NATO and the Five Power Defence Arrangements.

Insignia and uniform

The Vice-Chief of the Air Staff wears the standard Royal Air Force officer's uniform with distinctive rank insignia. The rank is typically Air Chief Marshal or Air Marshal, denoted by a broad band of gold braid on the sleeve and specific shoulder boards. The shoulder boards feature the Royal Air Force eagle emblem above a crossed baton and sword, surmounted by a star, which is the symbol for an air officer. The post holder is also entitled to a flag featuring two red bands on a Royal Air Force light blue field, which is flown at their official residence and headquarters, such as the Ministry of Defence building in Whitehall.

Notable Vice-Chiefs

Several officers who served as Vice-Chief of the Air Staff later attained the highest ranks in the British armed forces. Air Chief Marshal Sir David Evans held the post before becoming Chief of the Air Staff. Air Chief Marshal Sir Andrew Pulford served as Vice-Chief prior to his appointment as Chief of the Air Staff during a period of significant operations in Afghanistan and against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. Other distinguished holders include Air Chief Marshal Sir Glenn Torpy, a former Station Commander of RAF Lossiemouth and RAF Marham, and Air Marshal Sir Edward Stringer, who had previously commanded British forces in the Middle East at RAF Akrotiri.

Category:Royal Air Force air marshals Category:Military positions within the United Kingdom